The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory urging American citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling to Sri Lanka due to risks associated with unrest, terrorism, and landmines.
According to the advisory, protests related to Sri Lanka’s economic and political situation can occur without warning. It further notes that police have previously used water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators, and that such protests could quickly turn violent.
The Department also warned that terrorist attacks have taken place in Sri Lanka with little or no notice, targeting locations such as tourist areas, transportation hubs, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, and major public venues.
Additionally, the advisory highlighted ongoing landmine risks in parts of northern and eastern Sri Lanka, remnants of the country’s civil war. While most landmines have been cleared, approximately 23 square kilometers remain affected, particularly in the northern districts of the Northern Province. Dangerous zones are typically marked with red warning signs displaying a skull and crossbones inside an upside-down triangle.
The advisory offers several safety recommendations for travelers:
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, as they may become violent suddenly.
- Stay on well-traveled roads and avoid remote areas due to potential unexploded ordnance.
- Be alert in crowded public spaces and tourist destinations.
- Follow local authorities’ instructions and monitor local media for updates.
- Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important alerts and facilitate communication with the U.S. Embassy in case of emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Sri Lanka and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel health information before departure.
The U.S. Department of State also advised travelers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation assistance, and trip cancellations before visiting Sri Lanka.
